Plea to save Girlguiding group at risk of closure

A Girlguiding group could be forced to close unless new volunteers step forward to help run it.

Leaders at 6th Alsager Brownies in Cheshire say all current volunteers are stepping away, leaving the group without adult support from September.

The unit, which caters for girls aged seven to 10, currently has 24 members - with many more on a waiting list to join.

Lydia Dickinson, from Girlguiding Asager, has called on potential volunteers to put themselves forward to help "inspire the girls and bring their enthusiasm".

Brownies is the first stage of Girlguiding, and offers girls the chance to build confidence, make friends and learn new skills through activities, community trips and sleepovers.

"We're a thriving group in Alsager," said Dickinson. "But unfortunately, due to different circumstances, all the leaders from 6th Alsager Brownies are stepping away, so come September, the girls have got no leaders, so the unit will have to close.

"Some of these girls here were my Rainbows", the pre-Brownies group for girls aged four to seven.

"The thought that this could possibly be the end of [their] Girlguiding journey, it's really sad, because they've gained so much confidence and it [would] be wonderful to see their journey continue," Dickinson added.

The wider Alsager Girlguiding group, which is based at the Guide Hall in Cedar Ave, has more than 170 members across five age groups.

Anyone interested in helping out has been encouraged to contact the group via its website or Facebook page.

Mrs Dickinson added: "A standard Brownie session can be so varied. You could maybe be doing a craft activity, baking activity, perhaps going out for an adventure walk or visiting somewhere local in the community.

"We just really need some people to come and role model to these girls.

"We're going to spread the word and hopefully everyone can hear what a great job we're doing."

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